09/22/09

great place for yoga

by hitch71

This place is a great boutique style yoga studio. One of the teachers elizabeth is a really good teacher. Would recommend for sure, but the room is fairly narrow.

• Pros: no music, props,
• Cons: small

01/12/09

Finally! A yoga class that's challenging without a 100 degree room!

by Mistletoe4

I've tried out quite a few yoga classes in and around Southern California in the past years, and I must say I pretty much gave up on finding one that was both challenging, invigorating, and rewarding on a meditative and physical level. After about a year hiatus from yoga, I decided to give yoga one more shot and take the Sunday evening class with Elizabeth at the Studio City location. I knew little to nothing about the studio, but had never tried Power Yoga before, so thought I'd give it a go. I'll be honest--I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to keep up. Although I had to take a few pauses in between poses to relax (the class is intense!) I have yet to find a more supportive and soothing atmosphere where everyone is sweating hard. I had what I would consider to be the best workout I've had in months. The room was dimly lit, and there was candlelight. No music or chanting, which I liked. Elizabeth seemed so caring and encouraging, and also really talked through some of the poses and techniques which was helpful for a beginner like me. I will definitely be back!

• Pros: Elizabeth, candlelight, high intensity workout in peaceful environment
• Cons: parking

11/27/08

The real no bs 2 cents about Mark Blanchard and his studio

by thereal2cents

I have read some of the reviews below and most are right on while some others just seem like some uptight women who have no clue what they are talking about. Allow me set everyone straight - Mark has people in his class that are his best friends, people that share Thanksgiving and Christmas with him and his family - people that attend his children's school events. This is a family owned, family run studio! Does Mark look intimate with them PROBABLY to someone who has never been to his studio before BUT Mark is a powerful, focused YOGA INSTRUCTOR - he transforms people both mentally and physically - AND ELIZABETH has no problem with Mark adjusting his students because that is exactly what he is doing - IF ANY OF YOU WHO MADE THESE INFLAMMATORY COMMENTS BELOW had ever seen partner yoga you might get it. The resistance from another person's body with the pressure in the correct places can open up your hips or shoulder blades in ways you can't imagine. I AM ONE OF MARK'S LONG TIME STUDENTS AND I HAVE NEVER FELT HIS PRIVATE PARTS ON ANY PART OF MY BODY - even if he is laying on me - it was probably me in one of the classes referred to below. WILL MARK LAY ON YOU THE FIRST TIME YOU COME TO CLASS? - NO WAY. People in his class that he does this with you can bet have a close relationship with not only Mark BUT HIS WIFE ELIZABETH and I don't mean a sexual relationship. ANYONE who has been to Mark's studio and his class and focus on the YOGA he is teaching instead of looking around the room at everyone else would know this. IF YOU WANT TO LOOK AROUND AND JUDGE EVERYONE ELSE GO TO A GYM - this is real, true power yoga - with no BS - which is hard to come by in the city of angels. As for kissing on the back of the neck - again - these are people that Mark has been instructing for years - hell he was probably been at the birth of their children! AND YES HE DOES ADJUST MEN - ask anyone who frequents his class. He treats everyone equally - AND his class will kick your butt.